ADHD Accommodations at Work?

Q:

If I disclosed my ADD to my company’s human resources department, could I get an accommodation that would allow me to come in a little later than the rest of the staff? I can’t seem to get to the office by 9 a.m.

A diagnosis of ADHD, in and of itself, does not entitle an employee or student to services and/or accommodations.

You must disclose your documented diagnosis, and show that your ADHD “substantially limits a major life activity” — in this case, your job. In order to seek protection under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you must show that you are otherwise qualified to perform the job, and you must work for a company with at least 15 employees.

Depending upon your employer and the competitive nature of your work, you may find yourself passed over for advancement or you may be disciplined a lot.

If this is the case, there are ways to achieve your objective without taking the risk of full disclosure. Tell your boss that you are more productive later in the morning, and that coming in later would benefit you and the bottom line. Instead of working 9 to 5, suggest that 10 to 6 or 11 to 7 might work better.

Robert Tudisco is a lawyer who specializes in ADHD. He lives in White Plains, New York.